What Your Criminal Defense Attorney Must Know About Your Case
An experienced criminal defense attorney can give you the best shot at getting acquitted during a criminal trial. However, part of the victory depends on how much information you give your lawyer. Here are some things that your criminal lawyer must know when putting together your case.
As Many Details as Possible
The first thing to cover is to describe the events in as much detail as possible. Not only should you describe what happened, but you should loop your lawyer into any witnesses that may testify against you. If something looks bad on your case, don't try to hide it from your lawyer; these are the critical facts that your lawyer needs to know in order to put them in a better light.
But… Should I Tell Them I'm Guilty?
Different lawyers will have their own stance on whether you should tell them that you're guilty. Your lawyer cannot legally vouch for your innocence if they know that you have committed the crime in question. But in some cases, it can be a good idea to tell your lawyer that you're guilty. For instance, if you committed a crime out of self defense or after years of abuse, your lawyer may be able to build a case around this.
Your Relationship with the Prosecutor
You may need to share intimate details about your relationship with the prosecutor, and this includes airing the dirty laundry between you. If the prosecutor's attorney can paint you in a bad light because of your relationship with the prosecutor, then your attorney will have to work equally hard to paint you in a good light.
Your Criminal History
If you have previous criminal charges, then your lawyer should know about these right away. They will likely be brought up in court as a way to demonstrate your past character. However, they don't have to affect your trial heavily if you can show what you have done to make amends since your last charge.
Your criminal defense attorney will work hard to turn the evidence you give them into a plausible case. However, they can only work with the factual information that you give them. It can be hurtful to your case if the other side comes up with new information during the trial that your lawyer isn't prepared for, so make sure to cover your bases and tell your criminal lawyer all of the above so they can create the best outcome for you. If you're looking for an attorney in your area, visit Bates Law Firm, PLLC.